We changed to the floating leads last Spring and the old #1 looks better and the new #1 looks great.

Our system is similar to El Raton with a piece of track perpendicular from the rail and using a pinstop (Ronstan) car on the track. An important part of this system is to build a sheet guide to the winch to prevent over-rides.

:: Doh!
::
:: How much of a difference does it make if the sails are
:: not recut for the floating leads?
::
:: I am thinking of converting over and then get new sails
:: in a few years with them cut for floating leads.
::
:: :: Bryan - when we went to floating leads we did not need
:: :: to move our jib sheet turning blocks. Can't imagine why
:: :: it would need to go back so far.
:: ::
:: :: One key thing people need to know is that floating leads
:: :: are great but
::
:: :: Your sails need to be cut for floating leads given the
:: :: change to sheeting angles, etc... Important to factor
:: :: that into your plan. If you are going to order new sails
:: :: and want floating leads then move to new leads and work
:: :: with your sailmaker to make sure the sail is optimally
:: :: designed.
:: ::
:: :: Matt
:: ::
:: :: :: on these systems how far aft is the block the sheet goes
:: :: :: to after the floating lead?
:: :: ::
:: :: :: i was planning on taking mine all the way to the aft
:: :: :: pulpit like the spinnaker sheet. I'm thinking that if
:: :: :: its to close to the lead then the floating lead will not
:: :: :: define where the sheet is sheeted from.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Don - I had some pictures of a few of the options so
:: :: :: :: consolidated into a little presentation for you with
:: :: :: :: some my thoughts.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Would be really interested to get other people's views
:: :: :: :: as I may not be aware of other alternatives or all the
:: :: :: :: pros/cons that are out there.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: I am hoping we can get pictures / commentary on a number
:: :: :: :: of systems (forestay fine tune, backstay, main sheet,
:: :: :: :: trav, etc....), consolidate and share as a reference for
:: :: :: :: people looking to make changes and for out of town boats
:: :: :: :: who dont have alot of other examples to look at.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Hope this helps.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B54ienMG_azoRm4yZ2dyWDlHZzg/edit...
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: I was looking at updating the tracks for the jib and was
:: :: :: :: :: wondering if people have converted to a floating lead
:: :: :: :: :: system for the jib.
:: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: If so does anyone have pics or a description of what
:: :: :: :: :: they used.
:: :: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: Thanks,
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: Don